Frequently Asked Questions

renewals | licensure

Licensure

-Does Ohio have a state exam that a candidate must pass for licensure?

No. For a veterinary license, a candidate must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE). For a veterinary technician registration, a candidate must pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE).

- Are foreign veterinary graduates eligible for licensure in Ohio prior to receiving ECFVG certification?

No. A foreign graduate must complete steps 1, 2, 3 & 4 of the ECFVG program to become licensed.

- Can a foreign graduate work as a registered veterinary technician?

No.

- Who do I contact to transfer my national test scores?

The Veterinary Information Verifying Agency (VIVA): 1-877-698-8482.

- Who can apply for a Veterinary License by Reciprocity?

A candidate who currently holds a valid unencumbered license in another state.

- What is a Letter of Good Standing?

A letter that is produced by a State Veterinary Licensing Board stating whether any disciplinary action was ever taken on your current or expired veterinary license in that state and the status of that license (active/expired/suspended/etc.). A letter of good standing is required from each and every state that you have ever been licensed.

- How can I request a Letter of Good Standing from the Ohio Board?

You will need to submit a written request for license verification stating your full name, current address and license #; you will also need to include the name and address of the State Board where the form needs to be mailed. This written request can be emailed, faxed or mailed to the OVMLB. There is no charge from the Ohio Board for this service.

- How can I request another copy of my license or wall certificate?

You will need to submit a written document to the OVMLB requesting a duplicate paper license and/or a duplicate wall certificate. There is no charge for a duplicate paper license. However, there is a $35.00 fee for a duplicate wall certificate (suitable for framing). Checks are to be made payable to the Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board.

- If I get married or divorced and change my name, do I need to request a new license and purchase a new wall certificate?

You should notify the OVMLB in writing of your name change and if you would like an updated license, you can request one with your notification to the Board. You are not required to purchase a new wall certificate. However, if you would like a new wall certificate to reflect your current name, you will need to submit a request in writing to the OVMLB and include the $35.00 fee, made payable to the Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board.

- Is a candidate eligible to become a Registered Veterinary Technician in Ohio by working under a veterinarian for a specific period of time?

No. To become a Registered Veterinary Technician, a candidate must have a degree in Animal Health Technology from and approved accredited school and meet all requirements by the Ohio Board.

- I have a new address. Can I contact the OVMLB via telephone with these changes?

No. Address changes must be in written form. You can email, fax or mail the information.

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On a biennial basis. Veterinarians must renew by March 1st in even numbered years. Technicians must renew by March 1st in odd numbered years.

None. The license or registration expires on March 1st, practicing after that expiration constitutes "practicing with an expired license", which is a violation of Revised Code Section 4741.19.

No.

No.
Veterinarians: 10 of the required 30 hours can be unscientific, autotutorial - journals, videos, computer training, and/or office management.
Technicians: 4 of the required 10 hours can be unscientific, autotutorial - journals, videos, computer training, and/or office management.

Credit is based hour for hour. If a lecture is one hour, it meets the requirement for one continuing education hour.

No. Once a license or registration has been expired for four years, it becomes null and void. A new application would need to be submitted with all of the required documents and a new license would be issued.